Students to collect KCSE certificates from govt offices, not schools – Ogamba
By William Muthama, October 11, 2025Students across Kenya will soon collect their national examination certificates from sub-county education offices rather than their former schools, marking one of the most significant shifts in education administration in recent years.
The decision, confirmed by the Ministry of Education, is part of a broader effort to end disputes between learners and school principals over withheld certificates, a challenge that has persisted despite government directives declaring the practice illegal.
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For years, thousands of students have been unable to access their KCPE and KCSE certificates due to unpaid school fees, locking them out of job opportunities or further studies.
The new system seeks to eliminate such frustrations once and for all.
The directive came after a question raised in Parliament by Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo, who sought clarification on why students continue to face difficulties obtaining their certificates.
He challenged the government to adopt a centralised model similar to other digital public services.
“If citizens can get IDs and birth certificates through centralised systems, there is no reason exam certificates should still be trapped in schools,” Oundo said.
In response, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba told Parliament that his ministry had already developed a plan to distribute certificates through sub-county offices to improve access and fairness.
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“We have seen cases where school heads deny students certificates over unpaid fees, despite clear government regulations. By moving the collection to sub-county offices, we will ensure that every learner receives their document without unnecessary hurdles,” Ogamba explained.
Under the new framework, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) will dispatch KCPE and KCSE certificates to sub-county education offices. Each office will maintain official registers to confirm when and where students collect their documents, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Ogamba has reaffirmed that withholding certificates is a violation of the KNEC Act and warned that any school found defying the rule could face disciplinary or legal action.
The remarks follow an earlier directive by Education CS Julius Ogamba, who reminded school heads that withholding KCPE and KCSE certificates is illegal.
He instructed county education directors to ensure compliance and warned of stern action against institutions that fail to release the documents.
Ogamba said no student should be denied their certificate due to financial constraints, adding that the ministry will continue monitoring schools to guarantee learners access to their results without conditions.